Lovely green vistas dot Hong Kong

Bill Brooks, For The Calgary Herald03.12.2013

Visitors get a bird's-eye view of the upscale homes nestled amid the lush green flanks of the mountain and the city's skyscrapers beyond on the Lugard road, a trail on the Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's hyper-urban highlights might not be everyone's cup of tea. But one of the city's best kept secrets is how easy it is to get away from the crowds. There are numerous country parks with hiking trails, many of them offering scenic panoramas.

Perhaps it was the complimentary hot milk and cookies delivered to our room on our first and last nights that appealed so much. This was something my ...

There can be no better example of the seamless beauty and harmony that can occur when disparate cultures merge than Hong Kong.

The East-meets-West metropolis boasts some of the finest hotels, shopping, sightseeing and dining there is. It is the most densely populated city on the planet with more than 7 million residents occupying a mere 1,100 square kilometres. Crowded, to be sure - Calgary's one million people live on 726 square kilometres - but legislation requires that 40 per cent of the land in use be designated as green space, so parks and sweeping natural vistas provide elegant backdrops for some of the world's tallest buildings.

Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world with 8,000 - almost double that of second-place New York City. Architectural buffs and photographers will be in nirvana .

Hong Kong also has the dubious distinction of being one of the world's most expensive cities, and it is not uncommon for a 500-sq.-ft. flat to cost $1.5 million. Yet homelessness is surprisingly rare thanks to the almost religious fervour many residents have for betting on horse races. Each bet flows through The Hong Kong Jockey Club, a non-profit organization with the government-granted monopoly to provide parimutuel wagering on horse racing and other forms of betting. These bets in turn flow through to charitable donations made by the club. It is Hong Kong's largest taxpayer as well as the largest donor to charity, contributing more than $130 million annually for the past ten years.

The Peak Tram is a must and the views are nothing short of breathtaking. Hong Kong Park is mere blocks from the tram and is an eight-hectare oasis providing beauty and serenity - all the while surrounded by dozens of skyscrapers.

Feel like a day at the beach? Hong Kong has even that with Repulse Bay and Deepwater Cove being the most popular. Many of the wealthier expats live in Re-pulse Bay, a 20 minute cab ride from the all the hustle and bustle.

For many, however, Hong Kong is all about shopping. You name it and it is there. From sky-high priced original brands to acceptable knock-offs, shopaholics will be in their element. Stanley Market, Temple Street Night Market and Nathan Road are the most popular spots . A trip to Hong Kong would not be complete without a visit to a tailor or two. Men's suits range from cheap ($100, but they do look like hundred-dollar suits) to the Rolls-Royce of bespoke: Ascot and Chang. You'll pay $300 and up for an Ascot and Chang custom-made shirt, but I guarantee it will be the best item in your wardrobe.

Jewelry stores are everywhere with pearls and gold seeming to dominate the selection. Electronics are not a great buy because prices are comparable to what you would pay elsewhere and warranty issues could be tricky.

Dining out is almost as popular as horse racing. The city has bagged an impressive 60 Michelin stars across more than 200 restaurants. Google Where to Dine in Hong Kong and you'll find pages and pages of restaurants.

Where to stay in Hong Kong is easy. The Peninsula. Period. It's costly but it is the best hotel you will ever stay at. It's just undergone a multi-million dollar makeover and the rooms boast the newest technology you'll find anywhere.

Travel Documents: An up-to-date passport is required for Hong Kong while China requires a Visa.

Best Time of the Year to Visit: December through March are ideal as the air is at its cleanest and the temperature is mild. July through September can be uncomfortably hot and humid.

Currency: Being the world-class financial hub it is, banks are everywhere - ergo ATM's. The Hong Kong dollar is the preferred currency of use. Credit cards are commonly used.

Transportation: Is among the best in the world whether the MTR subway, buses, Star Ferry, trams or cabs. Purchase an Octopus card, which can be used for any form of transportation.

Accommodation: The Peninsula on Salisbury Road. No question.

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